Jason Klipfel (Owner)
It’s not surprising that Jason is not at the dance studio often. A full time environmental
driller, husband, and being a father of three keeps him busy. He was introduced to the
entertainment industry in 1998 after meeting his wife, Marci Klipfel. Little did he know
that from that day forward, most of his weekends would be consumed by dance
conventions, performances, or competitions! In his spare time, he helps out with
music, maintenance at the studio, or finishing up odds and ends for his wife. He is
definitely an asset to Top Hat.
driller, husband, and being a father of three keeps him busy. He was introduced to the
entertainment industry in 1998 after meeting his wife, Marci Klipfel. Little did he know
that from that day forward, most of his weekends would be consumed by dance
conventions, performances, or competitions! In his spare time, he helps out with
music, maintenance at the studio, or finishing up odds and ends for his wife. He is
definitely an asset to Top Hat.
Marci Klipfel (Director/Instructor)
California Native, born and raised in San Jose, Marci started dancing at the age of five.
She pursued her GOD given talent, attending dance classes from some of the top
leading dance instructors in the bay area; Benny Smith, Mary Ann Norris, and Alice Faye
to name a few. She participated in a successful traveling competitive team, the Youth
Focus Entertainment Division, scholarship pageants and many other facets of dance.
Marci’s goal as an instructor and dance choreographer, is to make a difference among
the youth today. Ethics that they can learn and utilize through out their lives.
She pursued her GOD given talent, attending dance classes from some of the top
leading dance instructors in the bay area; Benny Smith, Mary Ann Norris, and Alice Faye
to name a few. She participated in a successful traveling competitive team, the Youth
Focus Entertainment Division, scholarship pageants and many other facets of dance.
Marci’s goal as an instructor and dance choreographer, is to make a difference among
the youth today. Ethics that they can learn and utilize through out their lives.
Joni Gemette (Operations Manager)
Joni assists and participates with most decision making at the business
level. Even though she is not at the studio often, her enthusiastic and
energetic personality can be seen at most performances! Effective
communicating, trouble shooting, and business planning are just a few of
her attributes that she brings to Top Hat.
level. Even though she is not at the studio often, her enthusiastic and
energetic personality can be seen at most performances! Effective
communicating, trouble shooting, and business planning are just a few of
her attributes that she brings to Top Hat.
Stephanie Lautenschlager (Instructor)
Stephanie began her ballet, tap and jazz training at the age of three. She was an active
company member with Cheryl Fosgate at Dance Dynamics and was awarded for several
individual and group outstanding performances. DMOA, LADF, Jeffrey Ballet intensive
Workshops and many other master classes over the years has kept her busy outside of her
full time position at a local optical office. Realizing that this is a large responsibility and is
honored to do so, Stephanie is the academy's primary ballet & point instructor. Her lesson
plans are cecchetti based, disciplined and structured. Ms. Stephanie is truly loved by
students, parents and the staff at Top Hat!
company member with Cheryl Fosgate at Dance Dynamics and was awarded for several
individual and group outstanding performances. DMOA, LADF, Jeffrey Ballet intensive
Workshops and many other master classes over the years has kept her busy outside of her
full time position at a local optical office. Realizing that this is a large responsibility and is
honored to do so, Stephanie is the academy's primary ballet & point instructor. Her lesson
plans are cecchetti based, disciplined and structured. Ms. Stephanie is truly loved by
students, parents and the staff at Top Hat!
Angela Barriga (Office Assistant)
Angela Barriga joined Top Hat's staff in December of 2007.
Ms. Barriga is committed to customer satisfaction. In addition to being
accountable for the administrative operations at the studio, she is a full
time student that caries a 4.0 GPA. Outside of the academy she enjoys
fellowship with many friends, loves animals and enjoys the company of
children! Top Hat is very elated to have her part of our dance studio.
Ms. Barriga is committed to customer satisfaction. In addition to being
accountable for the administrative operations at the studio, she is a full
time student that caries a 4.0 GPA. Outside of the academy she enjoys
fellowship with many friends, loves animals and enjoys the company of
children! Top Hat is very elated to have her part of our dance studio.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Patricia is a Certified Group Exercise Instructor through the
Aerobics & Fitness Association of America. She teaches aquatic
fitness classes through the City of Lodi. She also has recently become
certified to instruct Zumba, a fitness dance workout set to a variety of
Latin, International and Hip Hop rhythms. A wife, mother, musician and
triathlon enthusiast, Patricia is excited to become a part of the Top Hat
Dance Academy family to lead tumbling students through warm-up and
flexibility exercises & now instructing Zumba Fitness at Top Hat!
Aerobics & Fitness Association of America. She teaches aquatic
fitness classes through the City of Lodi. She also has recently become
certified to instruct Zumba, a fitness dance workout set to a variety of
Latin, International and Hip Hop rhythms. A wife, mother, musician and
triathlon enthusiast, Patricia is excited to become a part of the Top Hat
Dance Academy family to lead tumbling students through warm-up and
flexibility exercises & now instructing Zumba Fitness at Top Hat!
Patricia Moore (Zumba Fitness Instructor; Warm-up & Stretch Leader)
AnnMarie Martin has been teaching and choreographing all levels of
dance for over eleven years. She is professionally trained in tap, jazz,
ballet, lyrical, hip-hop and pointe. Her dancers have constantly
placed in the Top 10 Overall at competitions; have won numerous
Dance Titles, and received Special awards and recognition. Her
dancing career includes guest performances with Smuin Ballet
Company, San Francisco Ballet Company, Oakland Ballet Company
and Miss California Pageant. She has also performed on cruise
ships, theme parks including Disneyland and with Dancers
Responding to Aids in New York. She is very excited to join the
teaching staff at Top Hat Dance Academy where she plans to bring
her knowledge, expertise and Love of dance with her!
dance for over eleven years. She is professionally trained in tap, jazz,
ballet, lyrical, hip-hop and pointe. Her dancers have constantly
placed in the Top 10 Overall at competitions; have won numerous
Dance Titles, and received Special awards and recognition. Her
dancing career includes guest performances with Smuin Ballet
Company, San Francisco Ballet Company, Oakland Ballet Company
and Miss California Pageant. She has also performed on cruise
ships, theme parks including Disneyland and with Dancers
Responding to Aids in New York. She is very excited to join the
teaching staff at Top Hat Dance Academy where she plans to bring
her knowledge, expertise and Love of dance with her!
AnnMarie Martin (Instructor)
