Jason Klipfel (Co 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.
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.
Marci Klipfel (Owner/Studio Director/Instructor/Choreographer)
California Native, born and raised in San Jose, CA . 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 finds it beneficial to her own development as a teacher,
choreographer and dancer, to continue her training by participating at conventions, master
classes and dance seminars such as Traimane, LADF, DEA, Co Dance and Pulse. Over the
past decade she has owned and directed THDA, now recognized as the largest dance studio in
the area. Marci has directed and choreographed for theme parks, local festivals, and large dance
productions for the youth in Lodi and it's surrounding cities.
California Native, born and raised in San Jose, CA . 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 finds it beneficial to her own development as a teacher,
choreographer and dancer, to continue her training by participating at conventions, master
classes and dance seminars such as Traimane, LADF, DEA, Co Dance and Pulse. Over the
past decade she has owned and directed THDA, now recognized as the largest dance studio in
the area. Marci has directed and choreographed for theme parks, local festivals, and large dance
productions for the youth in Lodi and it's surrounding cities.
Joni Gemette (Operations Assistant)
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.
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.
Stephanie Lautenshlager (Instructor/Choreographer)
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 & pointe instructor. Her lesson
plans are cecchetti based, disciplined and structured. Ms. Stephanie is truly loved by
students, parents and the staff at Top Hat!
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 & pointe 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 Manager)
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.
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.
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Erianna Garcia (Company Dancer/Instructor)
Erianna has faithfully trained in several styles of dance for thirteen years. Being a full time student does
keep her quite busy. However, she admits that dance is part of her mind, body & soul that can't be over
looked. Having the opportunity to train with Mia Micheals, Shane Sparks, Brian Friedman, David Scott, Chris
Judd, Joe Tramaine and many other professional choreographers has inspired her a great deal. This is
Erianna's second season instructing classes; Pre-School Dance & junior jazz. Because of her diversity, she
substitute teaches when needed! In addition to her dancing, she also works with the administrative
department Erianna has grown up in the dance industry & plans on career developing focusing on the arts.
Erianna has faithfully trained in several styles of dance for thirteen years. Being a full time student does
keep her quite busy. However, she admits that dance is part of her mind, body & soul that can't be over
looked. Having the opportunity to train with Mia Micheals, Shane Sparks, Brian Friedman, David Scott, Chris
Judd, Joe Tramaine and many other professional choreographers has inspired her a great deal. This is
Erianna's second season instructing classes; Pre-School Dance & junior jazz. Because of her diversity, she
substitute teaches when needed! In addition to her dancing, she also works with the administrative
department Erianna has grown up in the dance industry & plans on career developing focusing on the arts.
Shanta Robinson (Competition Team Director....Instructor/Choreographer )
This former Radio Disney Dancer has been dancing since the age of three. Professionally
trained in all styles of the arts, Shanta shares her passion with many students in Lodi and it's
surrounding cities. Shanta continues her training by attending workshops, master classes and
conventions often. She has toured around the United States and often participates in
entertainment productions. Urinetown, Cabrerat, Cinderella and Pepper Von's "All Night Strut" &
"Let's Go" just to name a few! Recently, Shanta was honored to have the opportunity to
participate as a back up dancer for the Jonas Brothers. Shanta's focus is to ensure that
students are not only enjoying classes at the Academy, but education properly! Shanta joined
Top Hat's staff August of 2007.
This former Radio Disney Dancer has been dancing since the age of three. Professionally
trained in all styles of the arts, Shanta shares her passion with many students in Lodi and it's
surrounding cities. Shanta continues her training by attending workshops, master classes and
conventions often. She has toured around the United States and often participates in
entertainment productions. Urinetown, Cabrerat, Cinderella and Pepper Von's "All Night Strut" &
"Let's Go" just to name a few! Recently, Shanta was honored to have the opportunity to
participate as a back up dancer for the Jonas Brothers. Shanta's focus is to ensure that
students are not only enjoying classes at the Academy, but education properly! Shanta joined
Top Hat's staff August of 2007.
Tyler Drewitz (Instructor/Company Choreographer)
Tyler has been dancing, teaching and performing for many years. He has trained with the Folsom
Lake Civic Ballet, Hawkins School of Performing Arts, NCDC, Step I Dance and Fitness and at
Roseville High School. He has participated in traveling dance companies, taking master classes
ans has been as assistant to professional instructors. Tyler has worked with Disney as a
performer and for artists such as B5, Everlife and The Jonas Brothers. He has danced in shows
such as "All Night Strut" which was featured in the Wall Street Journal and more recently
"Lets Go". He has been teaching Hip Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary classes for several years. As
a teacher he would like to share his knowledge and unique dance style while continuing to work
within the Sacramento area dance community where he began his training years ago!
Tyler has been dancing, teaching and performing for many years. He has trained with the Folsom
Lake Civic Ballet, Hawkins School of Performing Arts, NCDC, Step I Dance and Fitness and at
Roseville High School. He has participated in traveling dance companies, taking master classes
ans has been as assistant to professional instructors. Tyler has worked with Disney as a
performer and for artists such as B5, Everlife and The Jonas Brothers. He has danced in shows
such as "All Night Strut" which was featured in the Wall Street Journal and more recently
"Lets Go". He has been teaching Hip Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary classes for several years. As
a teacher he would like to share his knowledge and unique dance style while continuing to work
within the Sacramento area dance community where he began his training years ago!
A successful
team beats
with one
heart! -Unknown
team beats
with one
heart! -Unknown
Ryan Bloat (Hip Hop/Break Dancing Instructor)
Ryan has been dancing for fourteen years & performing professionally for ten. Most of
his dancing career training has taken place at Step-I Dance Studio located in
Sacramento, CA. He has stepped outside of the studio and trained at other studios
under the instruction of Keith Turk. After graduating from Sheldon High School, Ryan
traveled to Los Angeles to make it on the big screen. Opportunities such as dancing for
Disney & Warner Brothers Productions opened up for him. For the past four years he
has been giving back to the community by his involvement with a youth program called
"Step Up!" His most recent show, "Let's Go!" Written and Produced by Pepper Von
Changed his life. He was awakened to his "Gift." A gift to connect with the audience
and pull them into the magic of DANCE. Ryan, ACA "Loco", is fresh back from NYC
teaching students at Top Hat the hottest hip-hop, breaking & Krump'n in the Valley.
his dancing career training has taken place at Step-I Dance Studio located in
Sacramento, CA. He has stepped outside of the studio and trained at other studios
under the instruction of Keith Turk. After graduating from Sheldon High School, Ryan
traveled to Los Angeles to make it on the big screen. Opportunities such as dancing for
Disney & Warner Brothers Productions opened up for him. For the past four years he
has been giving back to the community by his involvement with a youth program called
"Step Up!" His most recent show, "Let's Go!" Written and Produced by Pepper Von
Changed his life. He was awakened to his "Gift." A gift to connect with the audience
and pull them into the magic of DANCE. Ryan, ACA "Loco", is fresh back from NYC
teaching students at Top Hat the hottest hip-hop, breaking & Krump'n in the Valley.
