Maureen Gibson, Artistic Director
Director of Dance, Marcia P. Hoffman Institute - Ruth Eckerd Hall
Miss Maureen
began her dance training at age seven with the Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theater
Co. in Pennsylvania. Barbara Weisberger, who went on to establish the nationally
recognized Pennsylvania Ballet Company, founded the Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theater Company.
Throughout her high school years, Maureen was accepted to train with several prestigious Ballet Schools including:
national Academy of the Arts in Illinois un Gwen Ashton; Skidmore University
under Melissa Hayden; North Carolina School of the Arts under Robert
Barnett and School of the Pennsylvania Ballet under Lupe Serrano and
Benjamin Harkavy. After graduation, Maureen joined the Joffrey Ballet
in New York City where she danced for three years. Upon leaving New
York City, she accepted a soloist position with the Baltimore Ballet
for two seasons along with beginning her teaching career. Wanting to
travel to Europe, Maureen applied for and accepted a position as Ballet
Mistress in Helsinki, Finland, only to land in Clearwater a year later--
20 degrees below zero was cold enough!
A Dance Educator in the area since 1986, Maureen and her husband Scott
founded STEPS in 1987 and began a journey toward excellence and education.
Maureen has been the sole "Children's Ballet Mistress" for the Miami City Ballet's
George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" since 1990. Her relationship with the
Miami City Ballet has grown with respect on both ends. In 2003, Maureen became
the Repetiteur for the Children's roles of the George Balanchine's
"The Nutcracker," a highly regarded position. In addition, several of
her students have been accepted to train at the School of the Miami City Ballet for both summer and
fall terms.
In April of 2002, Maureen received the "National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts" Award,
recognizing her encouragement and support of students for exceptional artistic achievement. Selected
from over 6,000 applicants, her students placed in the top 9% of the Nation! As a winner, Maureen was
also nominated for the NFAA's Coca-Cola Corporation's "Distinguished Teacher in the Arts" Award.
Maureen has the distinguished honor of sitting on the Judge's Panel for the "Walker's Rising Star
Scholarship" Competition since 2003. Twenty students earn "Walker's Rising Star" Scholarhip funds
in excess of $85,000.00 in the areas of Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Instrumental Music and Vocal Music
each year.
Maureen has also been recognized in the St. Petersburg Times "Faces in the Crowd": a feature article
that recognizes successful business women in the area. She has also been a "Wes Side Story" along with a
student on News Channel 8 for her acknowledgment in dance.
Her direction is evident. Several of her students have gone on to perform with the following Professional
Companies: Cleveland-San Jose Ballet Co., Carolina Ballet Co., Pennsylvania Ballet Co. and Miami City Ballet.
Maureen has also provided the Broadway Theater Project (BTP) with several dancers, including Elizabeth Stacey,
who also served as an Assistant to this unique musical theater program held at our very own USF campus and
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
Maureen has been providing excellence in dance education in a caring and
nurturing environment for over 20 years! Her goal at STEPS is to nurture
the art of dance with professional training and discipline in a safe,
structured and well-directed environment.
Faculty
Miss Meagan - Miss Erin - Mr. Derek - Mr. Dustin - Mr. Steven - Miss Liz - Mr. John
Faculty Assistants
Miss Amanda - Miss Courtney - Miss Dana - Miss Dominique - Miss Emily - Miss Savannah
Faculty Bios
Meagan Barrows
majored in dance at the University of Massachusetts. While studying, Miss Meagan was chosen as a member of the
Ballroom Dance Team and competed across New England. In 2001, she was one of 2 students chosen from her school to
attend the Governor's Institute of the Arts and perform for the Governor of MA. As part of the North Country Dance
Company, she studied Ballet, Modern and Jazz. She also attended classes at Steps on Broadway. Most recently, she
was a dance instructor in the Orlando area before settling here in Dunedin. Miss Meagan instructs Intro to Dance,
Pre-school Ballet, Hip Hop and she is a Faculty Dance Instructor at the Marcia P. Hoffman Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall.
Erin Fletcher
graduated from The New World School of the Arts/University of Florida witha B.F.A. in 2008. She received training
and scholarships from New World School of Arts, Miami City Ballet, The Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and BalletMet to
name a few. Her performance credits include: Trump Plaza New Year’s Salute to Broadway, Fringe Festival with The Koresh Dance
Company, “Chat” -Man on the scene interviewer (MUN2/Telemundo), “The Roof” -Dancer/On- air Talent (MUN2/Telemundo) and she has
choreographed for PCCA Theater, New World B.F.A. Concert, New World Theater, Miami and Koresh Dance Company.
Miss Erin has taught in the Tampa Bay Area for over 13 years and joins us to instruct in Ballet, Pointe,
Contemporary and Pre-School classes in Ballet and Tap/Jazz Combo.
Dustin Goracio began dancing at the age of 13 with "The Dance Workshop" and later moved to
"Sells Broadway Dance Company." He has studied with Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, LeeAnn Gibson, Dave Scott
and Shane Sparks. During his training, he was awarded Platinum at several regional dance competitions
including "Tremaine Dance" and "Star Systems." After graduating from Renaissance Academy of Performing Arts,
he taught technique and master workshops. He auditioned and received a contract with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
as a Dancer/Stilt Walker in the acclaimed show, "Katonga." After completing his "Katonga" contract, he began
working with Royal Caribbean Productions as a Dancer/Flyer traveling and entertaining for 1 1/2 years in places
such as Alaska, Canada, Hawaii and the Caribbean. His life motto is "DANCE training is LIFE training." Mr. Dustin
instructs Jazz, Hip-Hop and Musical Theater.
Derek Baxter
began his career at the age of 8, working professionally in Musical Theatre at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre,
Indianapolis Civic Theatre, and The Hillbert Circle Theatre. At the age of 14 Derek switched from Theatre to Film and Television working on such
programs as Nickelodeon’s All That (Seasons 1-3), The Kenan & Kel Show (Seasons 1-2), and The Man From Left Field (SAG award nominee!).
After graduating High School, Derek attended college at NYU’s TISCH School of the Arts (BFA in Theatre; Musical Theatre Emphasis).
After college, Derek performed as a Vocalist at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios, and EPCOT, and toured both, nationally and
internationally as a Vocalist and Clown with Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh! and with The Ariel Angels Circus. Currently, Derek is an active
Performer, Director, and/or Musical Director at Show Palace Dinner Theatre, American Stage, Stageworks, and Salerno Theatre Companies.
Mr. Derek instructs Musical Theater, Tap, Improv, and Private Voice and Acting.
Steven James began performing at a very young age. While attending Mooresville High School, he discovered his
love for Musical Theater. Roles in some of his favorite productions include "West Side Story" (Tony), "High School Musical"
(Ryan Evans), "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (Willy Wonka), and "Seussical the Musical" (Wickersham). After
graduating, he started an acting troupe named Mooresville Community Kids Choir in his hometown. His troupe traveled to local churches
to perform for during the holiday seasons as well as during the summer. He attended Western Carolina University and was
chosen to perform with the Award-Winning Western Carolina University Marching Band. He then moved up to "Vision," an
independent guard based in Charlotte, NC where he performed for one season. During that time, he discovered a love for
Florida and decided to relocate. He recently auditioned and was chosen for a contract with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
"Christmas On Ice" as the featured vocalist! Mr. Steven instructs Musical Theater and Vocal Lessons.
Elizabeth Hooper
studied Theatre and received BA degree from University of Pittsburgh. She
Studied acting with Gorilla Theatre and is
FL-DOE Certified in Drama & English Education Grades 6-12.
Her Performance credits include Salerno Theatre Company, American Concert Company, Carrollwood Players,
and Hat Trick Theatre . Miss Liz is an active performing member of Opera Tampa & ED-PAC Stage Company
Associate Artistic Director for the Salerno Theatre Company. Miss Liz joins us to teach Acting, Improv, Vocal and Music lessons.
John Hooper
studied and performed with The Groundlings Improv Troupe, Los Angeles and studied at American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Receiving his
BA degree from Mars Hill University. His performing credits include Salerno Theatre Company, American Concert Company, NYC Opera and Carrollwood Players to
name a few. Mr. John most recently performed in children's theater in "The Tempest" with ED-PAC Stage Company and "The Awesome 80's Prom" with Ruth Eckerd
Hall Tour (local cast). His previous performances include Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pirate, Lowry Park Zoo Entertainer, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Edge of
Africa Performer and Interactive Demonstrations Educator at MOSI. Mr. John is an active member of
WiseGuys and Yes Men Improv troupes and currently performs locally with Opera Tampa, ED-PAC Stage Company, Stageworks, Kestrel Productions,
and Florida Playwright’s Association. Mr. John joins us to teach Acting and Improv.
Master Faculty
Haiyan Wu, Yang Zou, Deanna Seay, Mikhail Nikitine,
Amanda Weingarten, Stephen Satterfield, Nick Harris, Shannon Bates, Joe Melchiona,
Madeline Fitzpatrick, The Paul Taylor 2 Dance Company, The Pilobilus Dance Company
Maureen Gibson, Artistic Director
